And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
Nadab and Abihu, who were Aaron's sons, each took their incense burner and put fire in it, then added incense on top. They offered this unauthorized fire to the LORD—something He had never told them to do.
This verse describes how Aaron's two sons offered worship to God in a way that He had not commanded or approved.
📚 Historical Context
This event occurred during the early days of Israel's formal worship system, when Aaron and his sons had just been consecrated as priests. The tabernacle worship had specific, detailed instructions that God had given Moses, and the priests were expected to follow these exactly. Nadab and Abihu were among the first generation of priests learning to serve in this new system.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.